FEMA authorizes funds to fight Bexar County Big Oak Fire

DENTON, Texas - The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has authorized the use of federal funds to help fight the Big Oak Fire in Bexar County, Texas. The request from state officials was received and approved Thursday, 8 September.

At the time of the request the fire was burning within an area of rural housing and had destroyed four homes.  It was moving south, threatening 150 more homes in and around Pleasanton, Texas; the city is home to 9,777.

The addition of this Fire Management Assistance Grants (FMAGs) brings the total approved Texas FMAGs in 2011 to 54.

"We are committed to helping our state and local partners recover from these devastating fires," said FEMA Region 6 Administrator Tony Russell. "These grants will assist in the efforts to protect life and property."

The authorization makes FEMA funding available to pay 75 percent of state and local government eligible firefighting costs under an approved grant for managing, mitigating and controlling designated fires.  Federal fire management assistance is provided through the President's Disaster Relief Fund and made available by FEMA to assist in fighting fires that threaten to cause a major disaster. 

Eligible state firefighting costs covered by the aid must first meet a minimum threshold for costs before assistance is provided.  Eligible costs covered by the aid can include expenses for field camps; equipment use, repair and replacement; tools, materials and supplies; and mobilization and demobilization activities.